ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Come Up Empty in Two Home Games

Published on January 12, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Last Week

Saturday, January 10

The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Condors by just one goal for the sixth time on the season, as Bakersfield opened up their current four-game homestand with a 3-2 defeat. The Condors took a 1-0 lead with a goal by Kevin Riehl on the power play just under seven minutes into the hockey game. Five minutes later, however, Idaho answered with a power play goal of their own to tie it. Another power play goal in the second gave the Steelheads the lead after 40 minutes of play. Jason Ralph tied it in the third for the Condors, but 2:32 later, Idaho regained the lead with a shorthanded breakaway goal for the final tally.

Sunday, January 11

Visiting Texas came into town on Sunday, and never trailed, riding two goals from leading scorer Corey Morgan to a 4-2 victory at Centennial Garden. Jason Ralph and Johan Astrom both scored goals that, at the time, tied the game. But eventually the Wildcatters had the lead for good. Texas scored twice in the span of 3:11 of the third period to take the lead and pad it for the win. The Condors fell to 1-3 in games against opponents outside their division.

Where We're At

The Condors have won just once in their last eleven games, and have failed to gain ground on San Diego, sitting 19 points out of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division. The Condors have an overall record of 10-18-6, and are 7-9-2 on home ice this year.

This week

Bakersfield will host the Alaska Aces on Friday, January 16th at 7:00pm. That night, the first 3,000 fans will receive a Condors 2003-04 Team Trading Card Set, courtesy of Bright House Networks, Smooth Jazz 97.7 and Team Gear. The Condors are 2-2-1 against Alaska this season, outscoring them 19-15.

On Saturday night, SpongeBob Squarepants makes his return to the Garden, when the Condors host the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:00pm. SpongeBob appears along with Hey Arnold!, courtesy of Bright Hose Networks, 101.5 KGFM and Bill Wright Toyota. This is the first time Vegas comes into Bakersfield during the regular season.

Both games will be carried live on Bright House Networks Ch. 21, with replays the following morning at 10:00. All games, home and away, can be heard live on KGEO AM 1230, with "Condors Countdown" starting 15 minutes prior to faceoff. The Voice of the Condors Kevin Bartl handles the play-by-play.

Individual seats are on sale now, and may be purchased through the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location.

Notes from the Nest

· G Shane Bendera has made five consecutive starts since making his debut on December 31st in Alaska, the longest such streak for a Condors goaltender this season.

· C Kevin Riehl's five-game goal scoring streak came to an end on Sunday evening, but he added an assist to extend his point streak to six games. The season high for the Condors is a seven-game points streak by Andrew Ianiero from November 30th – December 19th.

· The Condors power play has scored just three times in the last 79 opportunities (3.8%) dating the last 16 games (since November 29th).

· In going 1-4-2 against Idaho this season, the Condors have been outscored 23-19. All six of their non-wins have come by just one goal.

· D Randy Perry remains on loan to Manchester in the American Hockey League. In 11 games with the L.A. Kings top affiliate, Perry has two assists and 14 shots with six penalty minutes and a –1 plus/minus rating. He has missed 13 Condors games while playing in the AHL and has been in the lineup just once since Dec. 5th.

Quote of the Week

"That's me, Paul Kelly, and that's my hair and I can't believe I used to think I looked good." – Head Coach Paul Kelly, in reference to a 1991 picture of him displayed on the CondorsVision Board during the "Name that Mullett" contest on Saturday night.

League Leaders (among all 31 teams)
Name Category Rank
Team 4,387 fans per game 8th
Team 27.62 shots allowed/game 6th
Jon Mirasty 110 penalty minutes 3rd among rookies 12 major penalties 3rd among rookies

Condors team leaders

Goals
Astrom 15
Ralph 13
Riehl 11

Assists
Riehl 21
Ianiero 17
Ralph 10
Astrom 10

Points
Riehl 32
Ianiero 25
Astrom 24

PIM
Mirasty 110
Ralph 97
Rosebush 96

Plus/Minus
Astrom +13
Riehl +11
Ianiero +6

Coming Up
Friday, January 16 vs. Alaska Aces, 7:00pm
Saturday, January 17 vs. Las Vegas Wranglers, 7:00pm

Last Week
January 10, Steelheads 3 vs. CONDORS 2
January 11, Wildcatters 4 vs. CONDORS 2

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics

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ECHL Stories from January 12, 2004


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